12 Best MMA Equipment Brands Ranked [2021] (2023)

Mixed martial arts is not for the faint of heart. It requires you to master various grappling and striking disciplines. There are different types of equipment for the various skills you need to master to become competitive. Your diet needs to supplement you with nourishment for the strenuous tasks that await you.

Pain and injuries are part of the sport. You have to pay your dues with blood, sweat, and tears.

In order to train effectively, you need to get rid of hindrances. You can only manage that with a proper diet and training equipment. Given the meteoric rise of MMA, plenty of brands have sprung up for your attention. For a beginner, it can be tough to decide on what you need and when to get it. This market is saturated with players, and you have to be careful with your hard-earned money.

In this article, we will discuss the best MMA equipment brands out there, what are their top offers, and why you should consider them. So, without further adieu, let’s begin!

1. Bad Boy

It was a tough choice between Bad Boy and Tapout, with the latter being ignored for their recent ignorance of performance wear in favor of fashionable clothing. Moreover, Bad Boy has a history in the martial arts going back to its infant years, but it did not start this way. The company started providing apparel for surfers, skaters, and motocross riders in San Diego.

It was only later when the fighting sports gained the popularity that they entered the foray. They would soon release their combat sports line-up. This was done in association with Rickson Gracie, son of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu great, Helio Gracie. This was the start of a successful partnership that would take Bad Boy to magazine covers and a hallmark brand in Brazil.

Bad Boy started with Jiu-Jitsu gi but soon followed it up with non-traditional apparel for martial artists. They saw a gap in the market and also started providing equipment that synergized with their normal products. Soon, they were offering mouth guards, gloves, and other equipment alongside MMA apparel, shorts, and shirts.

They are one of the few brands out there that are producing both equipment and apparel for combat sports athletes. It is easy to say that they are the most recognizable brands in the MMA world, with many UFC and Bellator fighters on their roster.

2. Hayabusa

The organization lends its name from the Japanese word for the peregrine falcon. Hayabusa has had a similar fast trajectory after being founded in 2006. It is one of the more recognizable brands out there, and it owes its success to its founders’ ethos of research and development.

It started with an initial offering of fight gloves, rash guards, and fight shorts, the bare essential tool to get started in training. Based on prior research of founders Ken Clement, Craig Clement, David Zikakis, and Luke Harris, the quality of Hayabusa products allowed them to meet and exceed requirements. They have not let down since and continue to fund research at the University of Waterloo and the University of Cincinnati, alongside third-party laboratories.

Now, their product range includes headgear, boxing gloves, MMA gloves, shin pads, rash guards, BJJ spats, hand wraps, gym bags, strike pads, technical apparel, protective equipment, and coaching equipment for combat sports. They are known for their comfort and durability, as well as sophistication that lends it as a preferred choice in training and competitions.

3. Revgear Sports

Revgear has been in the market for over two decades now, and they are always increasing their product catalog. If you are looking for apparel and equipment for your first days on the mat, or if you are starting your own gym, Revgear has your back. It fulfilled the mission statement of Paul Reavlin when he started the business in 1996.

Reavlin wanted a brand that could be adorned by fighters worldwide, and Revgear does exactly that. Their product lineup proves that the fight game is more than training and matches, but is a way of life.

So, are you in need of gloves, gi, groin guard, gym bag, headgear, knee pad, elbow pads, MMA gloves, mouth guard, or shin guard, stop by at Revgear. But this is not everything that the company is producing. They have specialized gear for sparring to keep fighters injury-free and also have soaps and cleaners that were made with a fighter in mind.

If you think this is all they offer, then you are clearly mistaken. Apart from specialized equipment for MMA, they also cater to boxing, fitness, kickboxing, Krav Maga, Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai practitioners. To top it off, all of this was produced in consultation with top fighters and coaches to give the most value for beginners and established athletes.

4. Venum

Franck Dupuis started Venum in 2006, and the rest is history, so much so that this list would not be complete without Venum. The brand replaced Reebok as UFC’s official outfitting partner, a remarkable achievement given its humble roots. From Kurt Angle to Jose Aldo, athletes from different martial arts are sponsored by the organization and to good effect.

While most of the brands listed before are based out of America, Venum was started in Brazil and has made its way across the globe. It became the goto brand for grapplers and soon became famous in other martial arts with its gear. They are a versatile brand known for their apparel and MMA equipment. Venum is not confined to Brazil and South America but is also popular in Asia, Europe, and North America. It gained notoriety when a complete UFC fight card was adorned in its fighting apparel. So much so about making a splash.

Moreover, Venum is not just limited to MMA but also produces products for cross-training, boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, judo, and karate. It includes a range of wares that are effective for trainers and coaches alike. If you want to stop at one shop and get all your essentials, Venum has you covered.

5. RDX Sports

Across the Atlantic divide, RDX has its roots in England. It is a cheaper alternative to American, Japanese, and Brazilian brands but does not relax in the quality of output. It is one of the fastest-growing e-commerce based sports brands in the world and claims to have 200 million satisfied customers.

If you are going to the gym, mat, ring, cage, or dojo, RDX can supply you with what you need. They have one of the most diverse product range for fighters and even have a special section to indulge youngsters in the sport. RDX has an overwhelming range for its shoppers, which is exemplified from their gloves range that includes fight gloves, sparring gloves, training gloves, bag gloves, kids training gloves, and grappling gloves.

It does not stop there with similar variety in punching bags, coaching equipment, protective gear, training equipment, and apparel. RDX provides one with the platform you start you on your journey and will be with you throughout your journey. Therefore, it is easy to understand why it is famous amongst enthusiasts and upcoming fighters. The brand is linked with Tony ‘El Cucuy’ Ferguson.

6. Sanabul

Sanabul prides itself on making professional-grade equipment accessible to everyone. Their product range is one of the most complete out there, and you can almost pick out anything you want. This is why Sanabul is one of the fastest-growing MMA equipment brands out there.

However, this is not the reason why we chose Sanabul on our list. It is the fact that not only does the brand have everything related to specific apparel for all things MMA but also the equipment that is required to get you started. This is why Sanabul is unique. They have the apparel range of Bab Boy and equipment range of RDX. They are the complete package. If you are a newbie, you will find Sanabul products comfortable, and they will last you a lifetime.

With the straight shooter Michael Bisping as their spokesperson, Sanbul is straightforward in their approach. It informs you right off the bat that they are not using genuine leather but alternative materials. Based on their research, they have found that genuine cowhide is premium amongst leather products, but for more outstanding performance and durability, it is not the best option. This is why their products are made of performance-engineered synthetic leather, a unique approach in a market of tall claims.

7. Everlast

Everlast made its name in the boxing world. Their gloves have been adorned by the best in the business. With a history going back as far as 1910, they are a premier equipment supplier in combat sports. In addition to boxing, their products are also making waves in MMA and the fitness world.

Everlast has heritage on its side, but they do not rely on their laurels. It is the authenticity of their products, which has allowed them to gain a foothold in the world of MMA and thrive as a result. They are present in 101 countries across six continents and are the go-to choice for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.

The American company is now in English ownership, but nothing has changed on the ground. The great thing about them is that their offerings are not limited to practice and fight equipment and fitness. They have their own patented EverDri Technology that not only keeps you dry but also extends the life of your chosen equipment. All in all, if you are in the market for a premium product to meet your needs, Everlast should be your choice.

8. Ringside

For the last 50 years, Ringside has been supporting amateur boxing in the United States. Suffice to say, when they are a force to reckon with. When the mania for MMA began, Ringside jumped in the arena and used their expertise to good use. It does not matter whether you are an amateur or professional, a boxer or a practitioner of the mixed martial arts, Ringside has got you covered.

Ringside’s gloves are some of the best in the fight game, and this is one reason why they are famous in this realm. However, it is their comprehensive range of products, including gloves, gear, training equipment, headgear, trunks, and punching bags that set them apart. The fact that they are available at affordable prices and across the globe is just another checkmark in their favor.

Pros prefer Ringside for their cutting-edge technology that includes but is not limited to IMF Tech, Gel Shock, and Dome Air. Couple this with their focus on craftsmanship, and in Ringside, you have an established brand that is worth the money you dispense off.

Moreover, Ringside is not a standalone brand but also includes world-renowned Heritage, Contender Fight Sports, and Cleto Reyes. While Ringside has a massive range under its umbrella and provides the quality all around, they are known for their boxing gloves and an array of punching bags.

9. Celebrita MMA

As you go further in your MMA journey, a grappling dummy becomes a requirement. At this level, a grappling dummy is not supposed to be multi-purposed; it has to fulfill a specific function. This is where Celebrita MMA comes into the picture. They are the leading manufacturer of grappling dummies, and there is a reason for their stature.

Based out of Illinois, Celebrita MMA is unique in its approach to martial arts equipment. Their products are designed for the end consumer’s exact needs, but this is not where their service ends. The dummies come with detailed descriptions, photos, and sizing charts that allow maximum productivity for the users. This is the reason why their dummies have carved a name for themselves in the UK, Germany, France, Mexico, and Canada, among other MMA fanatic destinations.

Not only are their products manufactured high-quality fabrics, but they also have unique detailing that matches the purpose you are procuring them. Celebrita MMA is famous for its grappling dummies, but their punching bag line-up is also making waves for their versatility and durability. To top it all off, their product line-up is affordable compared to their rivals in the industry.

10. Bestzo

Most of the brands that we have discussed so far started in the equipment business and moved into the apparel segment. This is a logical step as fans have a greater appetite for clothing as compared to fight equipment. Bestzo is an anomaly in this regard. They started in the leather jackets category and have since moved into the equipment category.

It is a relatively young brand and was only founded in 2016. From producing and selling leather motorcycle jackets and vests, their transition into the MMA world has been swift. Their product offering now includes MMA gloves, punching bags, dummies, and bags. It does not seem that they are stopping anytime soon as one is informed of a new product every other week on their mailing list.

Bestzo is unique in its approach to the MMA equipment as they are producing specialized products with its minimal footprint. However, they are developing a sound footing amongst the fight world fans, who are gulping down their synthetic leather products. Their jump into the MMA equipment business does make one wonder from pure leather apparel that the rise of the sport is undoubtedly financially beneficial.

11. GoldBJJ

If you are rolling on the mats or just ready for a strenuous day of exercising, spats become necessary for your martial arts training. It will help you avoid mat burns and allow full range of motion while keeping you comfortable. GoldBJJ gets a shout out from us for their specialized spats.

GoldBJJ does not have an exhausting lineup, but where they lack in quantity, they make up in quality. Their spats are made up of a durable poly blend, which is breathable, which coupled with their preference for flatlock stitching ensures that the spats are easy to use. It seems like a product review but is a highlight of the brand overall.

In addition to their spats, GoldBJJ also has a no-gi lineup and is producing top of the line headgear at very affordable rates. This is not where their involvement in the fighter lifecycle ends; they also have a supplement lineup that puts the user on an accelerated training path. The BJJ PreRoll is excellent for focus and energy, while BJJ PostRoll has proven effective in muscle recovery after exercise. Given their line-up, they are one of the few brands to tackle something of everything in the fight game.

12. Title Boxing

Boxing equipment makers have transitioned into the MMA world. The move is easy and understandable as MMA fighters have similar requirements but with minute differences. This is probably why Title Boxing jumped on the MMA bandwagon and has enriched the sphere with their knowledge and industry.

Title Boxing is supplying gloves, protective gear, improvement ware, apparel, coaching equipment, and fitness products. They are not good at one thing but have quality offerings in all. This is why this upstart founded in 1998 has become quite popular across the board.

If we are to single them out for excellence in one area, Title Boxing’s protective gear is better than everyone else, especially their range for trainers. The coaches have to take care of themselves, and the chances of injury for them are high as they have to catch a fighter’s strikes. They service this area through punch mitts, body protectors, punch and kick shields, and thigh pads.

Title Boxing has everything that anyone in the fight game might need. They service the fighter and the corner. Such is the versatility at their disposal that they are probably one of the few brands that are also offering timers and punch counters alongside portable rings to have unofficial scraps anywhere you need.

Bonus Selection: Shock Doctor

We started our list with an apparel brand that also indulged in MMA equipment. It is only fair that we end our highlight reel with a specialist brand. For all your equipment needs, the different brands have you covered and even infringe on Shock Doctor’s territory. However, they do not come close to what they offer.

Shock Doctor specializes in one area and one area alone, mouth guards. They are the undisputed leaders in this niche market segment and for a good reason. They produce specialized mouth guards for all your needs.

Different sports have different requirements, and Shock Doctor fulfills these needs. In addition to mouth guards, they also produce protective wares for various sports, including but not limited to MMA. They make specialized braces for knees, ankles, back, waist, elbow, shoulder, wrist, calf, shin, and groin. They also have a range of cups and supporters, that are comfortable and versatile in their utility. Besides, they also sport fashionable and sporting apparel that fulfills your daily requirements.

To stay injury-free in MMA is a requirement if you are to advance your skill. Shock Doctor is the one brand you can rely upon as it is your one-stop-shop for all your protective needs.